Protect women from rising online gender-based violence

Women are frequent targets of online gender-based violence. [iStockphoto]

As the world commemorates the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence (GBV), it is paramount for us to critically analyse the role that technology plays in advancing violence against women. Digitisation has resulted in the prevalence of technology-facilitated GBV against women and girls globally.

The United Nations Populations Fund defines Technology Facilitated GBV as an act of violence perpetrated by one or more individuals that is committed, assisted, aggravated and amplified in part or fully by the use of information and communication technologies or digital media against a person based on their gender.